But you can still visit the memorial, which is located in South Dakota

Oglala Lakota leader Crazy Horse, born on this day in 1849, was a famous war leader who participated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn and several other important battles of the American Indian Wars. According to the National Park Service, he fought in defense of Oglala land, but eventually brokered a surrender with the white leaders of government troops. The exact details of Crazy Horse’s personal life are shrouded in mystery, but he’s still remembered as one of the most prominent Native American figures of his time. His memorial, like his legacy, is larger than life–that is, if it ever gets finished. Here are three things to know about the historic site:

It’s far from complete

The Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota has been under construction since 1948.  Although it’s open as a site for tourists to visit and it does feature a completed, 87-foot-tall head of Crazy Horse, it’s far from finished.

A few factors explain why, wrote Martin Rand III for CNN in 2012, when the monument had been under construction for a paltry 64 years. For one thing, the harsh weather of South Dakota and the iron-heavy rock of the mountain that is becoming the monument have made construction technically challenging. For another, the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is a non-profit that’s funded by admission fees and donations.

The foundation, and the site, are overseen by the family of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Ziolkowski designed the monument—his life’s work—and he is buried there, writes CBS News. True to his decisions on the project, the foundation has not sought federal funding.

It’s the largest monument carving currently in progress

According to NPR, this monument is the largest being carved anywhere in the world. In fact, writes contributor Charles Michael Ray, “when finished, [it] will dwarf the four presidents” of Mount Rushmore. According to the memorial website, Ziolkowski designed a 563-foot-tall mountain carving that shows a mounted Crazy Horse with his arm extended. That’s still the plan, although some alterations have been made to accommodate the mountain’s natural shape and composition.

Not all of Crazy Horse’s descendants agree with the memorial

Ziolkowski was asked to design and execute the monument by Henry Standing Bear, who at the time was the chief of the Lakota. In 1939, when Standing Bear commissioned the sculpture, Mount Rushmore was almost complete. The leader wanted to create a Native American counterpart to the monument. However, writes Indian Country Today, the modern descendants of Crazy Horse don’t think that Standing Bear had the right:

Elaine Quiver, a descendant of Crazy Horse, told Voice of America in 2003 that Lakota culture requires consensus among family members, but nobody asked his descendants.

“They don’t respect our culture because we didn’t give permission for someone to carve the sacred Black Hills where our burial grounds are,” Quiver told Voice of America. “They were there for us to enjoy and they were there for us to pray. But it wasn’t meant to be carved into images, which is very wrong for all of us. The more I think about it, the more it’s a desecration of our Indian culture. Not just Crazy Horse, but all of us.”

The memorial’s future is an open question. Although the face in the mountain certainly isn’t going anywhere, it remains to be seen whether it will ever be joined by a body.

Also Read This “Crazy Horse Memorial”

Hidden within the heart of the Black Hills, the Crazy Horse Memorial® invites you to hear the story and see the dream of a towering tribute to Native American culture. This monumental sculpture, still under construction, stands in South Dakota as a testament to the legacy and spirit of the legendary Lakota leader, Crazy Horse. Designed to reflect enduring Native American heritage, it provides a deep dive into history for visitors of all ages.

Unveiling History and Legacy

Did you know that the Crazy Horse Memorial® is projected to be the largest mountain carving in the world? Despite decades of work, this massive sculpture is still unfinished, a testament to its ambitious scale and the dedicated Ziolkowski family overseeing its progress.

Activities & Things to Do

• Visit the Visitor Center to witness first-hand the cultural and historical significance of the memorial.
• Experience authentic Native American cultural events held throughout the year, offering a rich tapestry of music, dance, and storytelling.
• Discover a wealth of artifacts and history at the on-site museum, showcasing the art and tradition of indigenous tribes.

Celebrate with Events and Traditions

The Crazy Horse Memorial® is bustling with events that celebrate cultural heritage, like the annual Native American Day celebrations and educational workshops that deepen the understanding of Native American history and life. At night, experience the unforgettable night blasts that illuminate The Mountain, symbolizing a tribute to the resilience of indigenous cultures.

Keys for an Enriched Visit

To fully enjoy the Crazy Horse Memorial®, the best time to visit is during the milder climes of spring or fall. Binoculars can enhance your experience by bringing the details of The Mountain up close. Take time to engage with local customs and stories for an enriched visit, and always show respect to the culture that the memorial proudly represents.